Zac Bailey has given the Adelaide Crows a harsh reminder of what they missed out on, playing a key role in Brisbane’s dominant semi-final win on Saturday night at the Gabba.
The Lions blew the scoreline out early and cruised to a to 21.18 (144) to 13.13 (91) win to book a preliminary final date against Hawthorn and move one step closer to a premiership three-peat.
After being heavily linked with a big money move to Adelaide, Bailey turned his back on the Crows and this week signed an eight-year contract extension that will keep him at the Lions until 2034.
Bailey knocked back a seven-year offer worth $10 million, with ex-Lion Luke Hodge arguing the uncertainty around Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks’ future may have played a part in Bailey’s decision to stay in Brisbane.
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It was a brutal blow for the Crows, who have made finals in the past two seasons but struggled to make a major dent in September.
The Lions got off to a flyer, kicking five goals in as many minutes to stamp their authority on the contest.
Bailey kicked two early goals in similar fashion, running around the boundary line before thumping the ball through the goals.
The two-time All Australian should have had a third goal but snapped the Sherrin into the post from close range, but he slotted a third major and assisted another as Brisbane ran away with the contest to lead by 60 points at the final change.
Watch Zac Bailey run riot in the video above
The 27-year-old had three goals and 29 disposals against Adelaide earlier this year and another strong performance only reminded the Crows they were snubbed by the free agent.
“Bailey will open it up right here and show the Crows what they missed,” commentator Gerard Whateley said on Kayo Sports.
“Get your hands off our man! No wonder they were backing up the truck for him.”
“That hurts,” Lions great Jonathan Brown said. “He had a blinder in round 7 as well.”
“Pen to paper and a couple of snags,” Mark Howard added.
Jason Dunstall said “He’d play them every week if it was up to him. He loves (playing) the Crows.”
Brown said Bailey recomitting to Brisbane is a huge boost to Brisbane as they look to complete a premiership three-peat.
“Just nice for Zac to get that comfort knowing he’s got his future here but also for the club and the locker room to feel settled,” Brown said.
“Let’s forge ahead and try win our third premiership. He’s played well tonight.”
Brisbane’s brigade of small forwards ran riot as the Lions took a 38-point lead into halftime.
Charlie Cameron kicked four goals in the first half to join Brown, Alastair Lynch and Daniel Bradshaw as the fourth Brisbane player to kick 400 goals for the club. Cameron finished with five goals in the 53-point belting.
Australian tennis great and diehard Crows fan Lleyton Hewitt was in the crowd at the Gabba, sitting alongside tennis players Alex de Minaur and Rinky Hijikata ahead of next weekend’s Davis Cup tie against Poland in Brisbane.
The Crows looked lost for answers in defence against Brisbane’s dynamic forward line as Charlie Cameron looked untouchable in the forward 50.
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“One of the best defensive teams in the competition, the Adelaide Crows, and they’re getting opened up, they’re getting torn apart,” Dunstall said on Kayo Sports.
“There’s not enough desperation.
“They look at sixes and sevens, they’re not sure what they’re doing at the moment, and the most important thing, from a Brisbane Lions’ perspective, is taking your opportunities when they present. They’re doing that.”
The Lions have now made five consecutive preliminary finals.
AFL preliminary final schedule
Sydney Swans vs Fremantle — Friday 7.40pm, SCG
Hawthorn vs Brisbane — Saturday 5.15pm, MCG